Week-long Kullu Dussehra celebrations begin in Himachal Pradesh

Kullu (Himachal Pradesh), Oct 9 (IANS) The week-long Kullu Dussehra which is one of the biggest traditional, religious and cultural festivals of the country began in Himachal Pradesh’s Kullu town Thursday.Kullu Dussehra is a festival with a difference, as the Dussehra celebrations begin here when these come to an end in the rest of the country.

Unlike other parts of the countries, here effigies of Ravan, Meghnad and Kumbhakarna are not burnt.

However, the “evil empire” will be destroyed by over 250 assembled deities during the Lankadahan ceremony on the bank of the Beas Oct 15.

The chariot of Lord Raghunath, the chief deity, accompanied by palanquins of other deities reached the historic Dhalpur Maidan here amid beating of drums and playing of ’shehnais’.

Thousands of devotees, including tourists from the US, Britain, Italy, France and Israel pulled the sacred rath (chariot) of Lord Raghunath.

State Governor Prabha Rau inaugurated the festival and witnessed the arrival of Lord Raghunath’s palanquin.

During the week-long festival, transactions worth millions of rupees will take place.

Kullu and Kinnauri shawls, handicrafts, carpets and dry fruits are a major attraction for the customers.

“This year the business prospect during the fair is better as apple and other fruit crop growers in Kullu, Kinnaur and Lahaul and Spiti districts have fetched good revenue,” said J.P. Negi, a local businessman.

“Special security arrangements have been made this time to tackle any untoward incident during the week-long festivities,” said Kullu Superintendent of Police Jagat Ram.